The ceiling fan’s basic function has been around for over a century, and each new generation adds additional elements to enhance your experience. What is the best way to determine which fan will work best in your home? We’ve put together a few pointers to assist you in finding the perfect match.
Where Can a Ceiling Fan Be Installed?
The ceiling fan is a basic device that moves air about the room to create a mild breeze without changing the temperature. When placed above an occupied area, such as a living room sitting area or an office lobby, fans are most effective. Because a fan spinning in an empty room wastes energy, it should only be used when there are people in the room to enjoy the wind. To allow for year-round operation of the ceiling fan, most modern fans include two settings:
- The ceiling fans pull cooler air up by sweeping the blades counterclockwise in the summer.
- A clockwise rotation forces hot air down to circulate and mix in the winter.
Ceiling fans are all about creating airflow, which needs the proper arrangement to get the most out of the recirculated air. Many fans mounting brackets can accommodate a 30-degree slope to the ceiling, a drop rod can be used to ensure the fan hangs at the right height for more severe slopes or taller ceilings. There’s a ceiling fan for every area, whether it’s a low-ceilinged room or a high-ceilinged hall.
- Basic Ceiling Fans – Most homes have standard ceiling fans, which have four or five blades and a variety of energy-saving functions. A fan motor, fan blades, a control switch, and an installation type will all be common elements, but the intricacies of the designs of all of these aspects will be up to you when you locate the perfect fan for your space.
- Low-profile fans, also known as flush mount or hugger fans, have thinner blades and a smaller motor case, allowing them to be mounted near to the ceiling. These are ideal for rooms with low ceilings or narrow spaces. When set flush against the ceiling, they take up roughly 6″ of depth; for hugger fans with lights, expect the lights to hang up to an additional 12″ below the motor casing.
- Fans with Light Kits – For places such as living rooms or bedrooms, having a fan that serves as both an air circulator and a light source can be beneficial. A drop-down base with some type of lighting securely placed under the fan blades is included with fans with a light kit. They can give ambient lighting or downlighting for a large splash of light to assist with duties such as setting the table or filling out paperwork. The type of lamp that would work best in the light kit depends on the style you want for your room and how you plan to use the space under the fan.